Here we are comparing two Large Sensor Compact cameras. Panasonic LX100 has a 13.0MP Four Thirds sensor whereas Sony RX1 has a 24.0MP Full frame sensor. We can expect this to be a close match up because both models are ranked amongst the best in Large Sensor Compact cameras. Out of 46 cameras in this class, Panasonic LX100 is ranked #10 with an overall score of 72 and Sony RX1 is ranked #8 with an overall score of 75.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of Panasonic LX100 and Sony RX1 before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day.
Panasonic LX100 is significantly lighter (89g ) than the Sony RX1 which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

LX100

RX1

Min

Average

Max

Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

LX100

RX1

Min

Average

Max

Panasonic LX100 vs Sony RX1: Sensor Comparison

Panasonic LX100 has a 13.0MP Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Venus Engine processor. On the other hand, Sony RX1 has a 24.0MP Full frame (35.8 x 23.8 mm ) sized CMOS sensor . Sony RX1's sensor provides 11MP more than Panasonic LX100's sensor, which gives a significant advantage in real life. You can print your images larger or crop more freely.
On the other hand, please keep in mind that Max sensor resolution is not the only determinant of resolving power. Factors such as the optical elements, low pass filter, pixel size and sensor technology also affects the final resolution of the captured image.

Below you can see the LX100 and RX1 sensor size comparison.

As seen above, Sony RX1 has a 3.8x Larger sensor area than Panasonic LX100. Larger sensors give photographer more control on the depth of field and blurry background compared to smaller sensor when shot in same focal length and aperture.

It is not easy to compare a prime lens with a zoom lens. Panasonic LX100's zoom lens provides a great flexibility compared to Sony RX1's 35mm fixed focal length lens. On the other hand, RX1's prime lens makes it a specialized camera. You compromise the flexibility of a zoom in order to enjoy the high image quality and unique rendering of this fast lens.
On the tele end, Panasonic LX100 has 40mm longer reach than the Sony RX1. However, with a max aperture of f2.00, Sony RX1 is faster at tele end.

Wide Coverage

Large Sensor Compact Cameras

LX100

RX1

Widest - Canon G1 X III

Average

Telezoom

Large Sensor Compact Cameras

LX100

RX1

Longest - Panasonic ZS100

Average

Max Aperture at Tele

Large Sensor Compact Cameras

LX100

RX1

Fastest - Leica Q

Average

Max Aperture at Wide

Large Sensor Compact Cameras

LX100

RX1

Fastest - Panasonic LX10

Average

What types of Photography are Panasonic LX100 and Sony RX1 Good for?

In this section, we rank and compare Panasonic LX100 and Sony RX1 for five different photography types in order to make your decision process easier in case you are specifically interested in one or more of these areas.

You may have already made your decision about which camera suits better for your needs and your budget so far but in case you wonder how we rated Panasonic LX100 and Sony RX1, below you can find their scores in five different aspects.
Our Decision Algorithm dynamically scores cameras using 63 different specs, current price and DxO Mark scores (where possible) in order to make a more objective and consistent comparison.

Here is a summary of how Panasonic LX100 and Sony RX1 scores compare:

Panasonic LX100

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #10 out of 44 in Large sensor compact camerasRanked #143 out of 1131 in all Cameras

Sony RX1

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #7 out of 44 in Large sensor compact camerasRanked #116 out of 1131 in all Cameras

Sony RX1 has a higher Overall Score than the Panasonic LX100 mainly because of its huge advantage in Image quality. In all other areas, Panasonic LX100 excels. It is a tough choice! If image quality is your priority, get the Sony RX1. If you are ready to compromise image quality for extra features, compactness and value, choose Panasonic LX100